Zonke: turning things around
From major moments that shaped her sound to the freedom of the open road in her Bentayga Azure, South African singer-songwriter Zonke shares how staying true to herself has driven her success.
Writer: Arwa Haider
Photographer: Henry Marsh
“I found my voice when my life wasn’t going the way I wanted it to.” Award-winning South African singer-songwriter and record producer Zonke is reflecting on her career from her home in Johannesburg. “It was a time when I might have just given up because I felt that my voice and writing style weren’t understood. Then I thought: ‘Don’t blame other people.’ So I wrote a song to motivate myself, called Jik’izinto, which means ‘turn things around’.” The song really did represent a turning point for Zonke. It was her solo breakthrough in her home country, although she had already achieved success in Europe. It preceded her 2011 self-produced album Ina Ethe, which would earn double platinum status for her in South Africa. Today, her celebrated musical catalogue includes her sixth and latest album Embo.
“Music was always my plan A. I never had a plan B,” she says, beaming broadly. “Embo means ‘origin’,” she explains. “I always go back for inspiration. I love old school! You’re forced to dig deep and use all your influences, which can be R&B, afrobeat, dance, soul, anything. And that’s what I did in South Africa; I remembered where I came from and all the sounds that I loved. And it still works for me, 20 years later. There’s a nostalgia and sincerity in my music that people connect to.”
DRIVING FORCE
When she is not traveling for work, Zonke relishes the buzz of Johannesburg. “The feeling I get from the city is that there’s always more, and you shouldn’t be complacent,” she says.
That headstrong dynamic chimes with her musical artistry. “I told myself that I’m not just going to just jump on the bandwagon of whatever trend comes along, even though I’ve taught myself to be versatile.”
She enjoys even more creative autonomy since having a state-of-the-art studio built at her home. “Now I don’t have to rent out another studio or drive home at 2am through busy Johannesburg,” she smiles. “If I can’t sleep, I’ve got the comfort of my own studio to try out my ideas. Music has given me things that my father didn’t have, and I’m very grateful for that.”
I’ve always seen myself as an exclusive brand in music. That’s what a Bentley represents: something that has stood the test of time; something that is worth it. My music reflects the attention to detail and bespoke quality of a Bentley car. I do everything – I’m the creative director, the lead singer, the songwriter, a producer.
A PERSONAL TOUCH
If she’s not writing, recording or performing, Zonke can often be found in the driving seat of her Bentayga Azure. For Zonke, her car is both a mark of achievement and affinity.
Zonke chose a rich brown Havana color for the exterior of her Bentley and a warmly contrasting Magnolia and Newmarket Tan combination inside. “You can configure so much of the Bentley to suit your taste, from the paint color to the interior hides and details, so it feels exclusively yours – just as I think my sound, my tone, my style of writing, is exclusively mine. I’m unique, and that’s what a Bentley reflects. When I’m on the road, people will call me and ask: ‘Did you just pass by?’”
